Liverpool have secured the services of Thiago Alcantara, also a target for Manchester United, on a long-term contract.
Liverpool have made an official statement to confirm that they have completed the signing of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich. The Spanish international, who was also the subject of interest from Manchester United, has penned a long-term deal, with the Reds reportedly paying an initial £20 million to land him.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for…#ThiagoFriday ? pic.twitter.com/s2tOCvnHta
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2020
Thiago has enjoyed a storied career over the course of his senior club footballing days. He made his debut for Barcelona before joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013. Over the past decade or so, the 29-year-old has gone on to win 24 trophies in his career, while also remaining a key player for club and country.
However, as the 2019/20 reached its end, speculation surrounding his future started growing like wildfire. It is at this time that reports of interest from Liverpool started to emerge, with fleeting links with Manchester United as well. Those rumours started picking up steam in recent weeks and on Thursday, it was reported that Liverpool were on the cusp of signing Thiago.
The interest from Liverpool makes a great deal of sense, considering Georginio Wijnaldum faces an uncertain future at Anfield amid interest from Barcelona. Regardless of what happens with the Dutchman, however, the move for Thiago is a step in the right direction from the Reds.
While Jurgen Klopp has forged a formidable unit at Liverpool, one area that has been in need of improvement was midfield. In particular, the Premier League champions have been crying out for a creative option in the middle of the park while still retaining the steel they are renowned for.
Now that's a photo to put a BIG smile on your face ?#ThiagoFriday ? pic.twitter.com/TQXBzqz2q4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2020
That is exactly what Thiago brings to the table. And, despite reported interest from Manchester United, it always seemed to be a matter of if not when Liverpool sign him. For a long time, the only obstacle was the transfer fee, with Bayern Munich adamant on their valuation of the player.
Now, though, all formalities have been completed, with Thiago snubbing Manchester United to become Liverpool’s second summer signing. Upon completing the move to Anfield, the Spanish international expressed his delight at making the switch to the Merseyside club.
“I think it’s an amazing feeling. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here. When the years are passing, you are trying to win as much as you can – and when you win, you want to win more. I think this club describes what I am as well; I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible.”
Liverpool have, according to BBC, have paid an initial £20 million fee, which could rise to £25 million with bonuses. Thiago, meanwhile, has signed a long-term contract with the Reds and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the new phase of his storied career.
